President Lee Jae-myung Meets French Counterpart Macron
President Lee Jae-myung engaged with French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to the Nanterre Expo Center in France. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties ahead of a formal presidential summit scheduled for the following day.
Reaffirming Revolutionary Ideals
President Lee highlighted how the core principles of the French Revolution—rooted in citizen sovereignty—resonate deeply with Korea’s own transformative ‘leap revolution.’ He noted that these ideals have been reinforced through Korea’s democratic evolution, even during its most significant peaceful upheavals where public will prevailed.
“The story of citizen power emerging in the French Revolution has been amplified within Korea’s framework of popular sovereignty,” Lee stated. “Even in our greatest peaceful ‘flying revolution,’ the sovereignty of the people was reconfirmed.”
140 Years of Korea-France Relations
Marking 140 years since the 1886 Joseon-France treaty, Lee reflected on the multifaceted partnership spanning diplomacy, industry, technology, and culture. Key examples include Paris-based activities of Korean independence activists, France’s involvement in the Korean War, technological transfers like TGV inspiring KTX high-speed rail, and exchanges of native species.
At the event titled ‘Commons of Gachi and Culture: 140 Years of Korea-France Ties,’ Lee emphasized France’s growing trust in Korea through collaborative advancements. He observed that citizens’ innovative ideas continue to flourish within this shared cultural exchange.
Call for Deeper Cooperation
Lee urged nations facing division and intolerance to unite around universal values of people’s sovereignty. “Gradually, in environments of national change, leaders sharing common cars of people’s governance become essential national partners,” he remarked.
Potential areas for win-win collaboration include infrastructure, original species exchanges, water resources technology, and space industry projects. He stressed pursuing simple, universal principles in today’s Korea-France partnership.
Political Perspectives
Observers in political circles view France’s historical engagement with Indochina and the Taepyongyang region as underscoring Korea’s pivotal role. Despite its size, France wields influence that stabilizes its neighborhood, Lee added.
